Program Overview
The Environmental Sustainability at The University of Edinburgh is a MSc programme in Natural Sciences over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of natural sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Environmental Sustainability programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: GBP 25,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental Sustainability programme are prepared for diverse careers in natural sciences:
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Laboratory Manager
- Science Writer
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Researcher
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Principles of Environmental Sustainability
- Case Studies in Sustainable Development
- Dissertation
- Atmospheric Quality and Global Change
- Ecosystem Services 1: Ecosystem Dynamics and Functions
- Foundations in Ecological Economics
- Human Dimensions of Environmental Change and Sustainability
- Integrated Resource Management
- Project Appraisal
- Marine Systems and Policies
- Development: Principles and Practices
- Understanding Environment and Development
- Energy Policy and Politics
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Forests and Environment
- Global Environmental Politics
- Participation in Policy and Planning
- Political Ecology
- Sustainability of Food Production
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Water Resource Management
- Climate Change and Corporate Strategy
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, social science or other relevant subject. Due to the focus of this programme, business-related degrees are, unfortunately, not suitable for entry.
English language requirements
All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:
- an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
- IELTS\xc2\xa0Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
- TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
- PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections; the "Enabling Skills" sections are not considered)
- CAE\xc2\xa0and\xc2\xa0CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
- Trinity\xc2\xa0ISE:\xc2\xa0ISE\xc2\xa0III with a pass in all four components
Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than two and a half years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 25,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 25,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The University of Edinburgh directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
University of Edinburgh (Universitas Academica Edinburgensis) is a historic and globally respected public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, founded in 1583, making it one of the...
University Profile- Application Deadline 1 May 2026
- Start Date 2017-09-11
- Language English
- Duration 12 months